FAQs
How long has ORLS been in existence?
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and School has been making disciples for over 150 years, and we are excited for the future as we get ready to start the new school year in our brand new Ministry Center.
Is ORLS an approved school through the Nebraska Department of Education?
Yes, in fact, ORLS recently went through an evaluation process through the Nebraska Department of Education and we were in complete compliance and had no areas of concern.
Is the staff of ORLS certified?
Yes, every teacher at ORLS is certified through the State of Nebraska. In addition, every teacher is teaching within their specialized area(s) as well.
Is ORLS up-to-date on technology?
Absolutely, in fact, we have devices for every child in the school. We mostly use Chromebooks and Google for Education, but we also use iPads throughout the younger grade levels as well.
How do multigrade classrooms work?
Educational research is proving the benefits of multigrade classrooms, here are a few of those benefits:
There are many, perhaps more opportunities for children to work and develop at their own level on a continuous basis.
The flexibility of grouping is beyond the normal range of ages and abilities and can benefit those children who are working below (or above) grade level in certain skills.
Students are continuously exposed to re-teaching, as they listen in on, and benefit from, lessons being given to younger students. This review of the basics reinforces and clarifies a child’s understanding, even when they may be working at a more advanced level.
Students are also exposed to pre-teaching (“eaves-dropping” on teacher’s lessons and discussions with older students). This both prepares and stimulates the younger child’s thinking.
Academic, physical, and social competition between peers is reduced, as is the anxiety and preoccupation of having to compete. Consequently, discipline measures are needed less frequently. The learning and social atmosphere is cooperative rather than competitive.
Pro-social behaviors and expectations are modeled by older students.
Multigrade classrooms are less homogenous than single-grade classrooms, therefore differences are the norm and more easily accepted.
All children are expected to work independently at different times during the day. They receive more intentional training to be independent workers. Off-task behaviors diminish as self-discipline and accountability increases.
Lengthier time with the same teacher can increase trust, understanding of expectations, and positive relationships between teachers and students, and teachers and parents.
Children who are academically advanced or lagging can easily take part in higher or lower-level skills while maintaining interactions with peers.
Does ORLS offer extracurricular activities/athletics?
Yes, ORLS has a variety of extracurricular activities available to the students. For instance, we participate in the Seward County Spelling Bee, the Seward County Reading Classic, and a variety of Quiz Bowl competitions. We also have a teacher on staff that gives various instrumental lessons before and after school. To go along with instrumental music we also have a weekly vocal music instruction time as well as concerts/productions throughout the year. Art instruction is also a part of every classroom, with students having the opportunity to participate in various competitions throughout the year. ORLS also offers volleyball and basketball for grades 3-8. Grades 6-8 also have the opportunity to participate in track and field with St. John Seward. Students that wish to participate in a sport that is not offered (ie. football, cross country, or wrestling) may participate with the public school.
Is there tuition, and is it affordable?
Yes, there is a very modest tuition involved to attend ORLS. The members of Our Redeemer know the value of Christian education and strive to keep tuition costs at a very affordable rate.
Preschool tuition is $50 per month ($500 p/yr) and Our Redeemer church member tuition for K-8 is also $50 per month ($500 p/yr) and community member tuition for K-8 is $80 per month ($800 p/yr). We also have a “Secret Angel” account that can be used to help anyone who may not be able to make their tuition payment(s) due to unforeseen circumstances.
Is there a hot lunch program?
Yes, ORLS partners with Seward Public Schools to receive hot lunch every day. Since we are able to work alongside the public school we are also able to offer free or reduced lunches to any family that qualifies.
What if I have to be to work early or stay at work late?
ORLS offers a before and after-school care program. For a modest fee children are able to be at school by 7:00 am every morning and can also stay until 5:30 pm every day.
What if my child receives or needs to receive special education or speech services?
Any student that qualifies for special education or speech services will receive services from Seward Public Schools. We currently have different staff members from SPS that come to ORLS to accommodate these students. In addition to this, if a child qualifies for Title I reading services we have a teacher on staff who provides these services to any student who qualifies.
How do students compare nationally?
ORLS students in grades 2-8 participate in the NWEA Maps standardized testing, which is used by many of the area schools, both public and parochial. These tests measure a student’s proficiency in the areas of math, reading, language, and science, and in the most recent testing session the students of ORLS as a whole tested at 10 percentage points above the national average.
ORLS also has many former students that have continued on into high school that have consistently been on the honor roll and also many of our former students have been selected into the National Honor Society.
Do you have other questions?
Please feel free to contact Principal Harlan Anson anytime.
School phone: 402-535-2251
Email: harlan.anson@orlcne.org